ARSENAL are on the verge of making their first landmark signing of the summer, with Gonzalo Higuain flying into London last night to sign a £100,000-a- week, three-year deal.

Manager Arsene Wenger has been pursuing the Argentina striker for weeks and upped his offer to Real Madrid from £21million to £23m to clinch the deal. Juventus were also chasing Higuain, 25, who has scored 107 league goals in 190 games for Madrid, but went for Carlos Tevez instead, leaving the path clear for Arsenal.

Higuain’s father and agent, Jorge Higuain, told Fox Sports Latin America that a deal was close. “We managed to get permission from Real to negotiate face to face with Arsenal,” he said.

“Fortunately, I will soon be able to watch my son play in the Premier League. There isn’t anything signed yet, but negotiations are advanced. We haven’t spoken about the contract yet. Arsenal have made a great offer, in the same way as Juventus.”

Arsenal have made a great offer

Wenger was keen to pair Higuain up front with Wayne Rooney, but Arsenal’s offer of £20m for the England striker is nowhere near Manchester United’s valuation and the striker is now expected to remain at Old Trafford. Wenger sold Robin van Persie to United last summer and had to watch as his goals helped clinch the title.

Arsenal are also linked with Liverpool striker Luis Suarez, with one bookmaker suspending the betting on his move after a series of wagers. But the Daily Express can confirm that no contact has been made by Arsenal to Liverpool.